Efficient photocatalytic removal of U(VI) over π-electron-incorporated g-C₃N₄ under visible light irradiation

A series of π-electrons incorporated graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) photocatalysts were prepared using a facile copolymerization strategy, allowing aromatic rings to be grafted into the (g-C₃N₄) network. The photocatalyst activity of aromatic rings grafted samples in the photoreduction elimination reaction of U(VI) was significantly enhanced, which was more efficient than that achieved by pristine g-C₃N₄. In addition, the anthracene-grafted g-C₃N₄ showed excellent U(VI) removal properties, 99% of U(VI) was eliminated within 30 min of visible light irradiation, and the samples still showed the high photoreduction activity after 3 reaction cycles. On the basis of the experimental and characterization analysis, the enhanced photoreduction activity could be attributed to accelerating the electron transportation of π-electrons incorporated.